Background
A client approached me with a sensitive issue involving a young worker who had reported being sworn at by their manager in front of colleagues. The employee felt humiliated and upset and was unsure about how to proceed. Adding complexity to the situation, this was not the first time the manager had faced similar accusations; a similar incident had been reported six months earlier.
The client was concerned about the potential for further complaints and wanted to ensure that the situation was managed fairly and in line with legal obligations and company policy.
Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue
1. Understanding Legal Obligations and Company Policies
I began by reviewing the organisation’s code of conduct, anti-bullying, and grievance policies to ensure they clearly defined unacceptable behaviour and the process for raising complaints. I also familiarised myself with relevant employment laws, including protections for young workers and obligations under the Equality Act.
2. Initial Complaint Handling
I advised the client to meet privately with the young worker to gather detailed information about the incident. The meeting was conducted in a supportive and confidential setting, allowing the employee to share their account without fear of retaliation.
Key points from the discussion included:
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A clear description of what was said and how it made the employee feel.
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Confirmation that the incident took place in front of other colleagues.
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Assurance from the employee that they wanted the matter to be taken seriously but felt anxious about repercussions.
The complaint was carefully documented, including the specific language used and the names of any witnesses.
3. Preliminary Assessment
Given the previous similar complaint against the manager, I recommended conducting a preliminary assessment to determine whether immediate action, such as suspension, was necessary to protect the young worker and others from potential harm.
Witnesses were interviewed where appropriate, with care taken to ensure confidentiality and impartiality. Their accounts were documented to corroborate the young worker’s statement.
4. Conducting a Formal Investigation
A formal investigation was launched
